2012 BMW M5 Brings Ton of Tech to Super Saloon

We have been covering the reveal of the new BMW M5 as closely as possible on Autoviva starting from the initial reveal of its new twin-turbo V8 engine to its full debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show last week. BMW has finally revealed the car in full.

The performance of the new M5 is a generous step above the previous version. The new twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter engine makes 560hp and produces its max torque of 680Nm (502lb-ft) from just 1,500rpm up to 5,750rpm. Redline comes at 7,200rpm. BMW claims that the car sprints to 100km/h in 4.4 seconds, about 3 tenths quicker over the previous model. It uses 9.9l/100km of petrol and produces 232g/km of CO2. That is a 30% improvement in economy despite the increased power.

Eschewing the SMG in the previous M5, the newest version uses a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. The transmission can be placed in a mode where it shifts automatically or be shifted manually with paddle shifters. When the traction control is switched off, the transmission also offers launch control.

To further improve handling, BMW has fitted its Active M Differential that controls a limited-slip, multi-plate differential. This system is linked to the stability control system to allow drivers the amount of control that they desire.

The M5 can only be called a technological powerhouse. It uses speed-sensitive steering, Dynamic Damper Control, and an alphabet soup of braking aids including: Cornering Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Assist, Brake Drying and Start-off Assistant.

The interior is equally draped in technological advances. The M5 gets specific seats in Merino leather and aluminum trim pieces for the dashboard and other parts of the interior. The iDrive is displayed on a 10.2 inch screen.

The Head-up display shows current gear, speed, tachometer with shift lights and perhaps most helpfully the current speed limit.

In a move that would seem to confuse drivers more than help them, there are now two M Drive buttons. Each is configurable to allow the driver to have two separate driving settings from all of the options the car provides. For instance, one button could be set up to turn all assists off and harden the dampers, while the other could be to make the car into a luxurious, soft cruiser.

The new M5 will also have a few options that include: Navigation System Professional, sun roof, M multifunction seats, active seats, active seat ventilation, Comfort Access, an adjustable steering column, soft closing doors and trailer hitch.

There is still no information about how much the new M5 will cost.